Victim Impact Statement

Pronunciation: /ˈvɪktɪm ˈɪmpækt ˈsteɪtmənt/

Definitions of victim impact statement

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'victim' is a noun as it refers to a person who has been harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event.

Example Sentences

A1 The victim impact statement is a document that describes how a crime has affected the victim.

A2 In court, the judge will often read the victim impact statement before sentencing the defendant.

B1 The victim impact statement allows the victim to express their feelings and the impact of the crime on their life.

B2 Writing a victim impact statement can be a difficult but important part of the legal process for victims of crime.

C1 The victim impact statement is considered by the court when determining an appropriate sentence for the offender.

C2 Victims may choose to read their victim impact statement aloud in court to directly address the defendant and the judge.

Examples of victim impact statement in a Sentence

formal The victim impact statement is a crucial part of the sentencing process in criminal cases.

informal The victim impact statement lets the court know how the crime has affected the victim.

slang The victim impact statement is where the victim tells their side of the story to the judge.

figurative The victim impact statement is like a window into the emotional aftermath of the crime.

Grammatical Forms of victim impact statement

• plural: victim impact statements
• comparative: more victim impact statement
• superlative: most victim impact statement
• present tense: is victim impact statement
• future tense: will be victim impact statement
• perfect tense: has been victim impact statement
• continuous tense: is being victim impact statement
• singular: victim impact statement
• positive degree: very victim impact statement
• infinitive: to victim impact statement
• gerund: victim impact statementing
• participle: victim impact statemented

Origin and Evolution of victim impact statement

First Known Use: 1982 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'victim impact statement' originated in the legal field as a way for victims of crimes to express the impact the crime has had on them.

Evolution of the word: Originally introduced to give victims a voice in the criminal justice system, victim impact statements have evolved to be a standard practice in many jurisdictions, allowing victims to provide input on sentencing and parole decisions.